- Municipal celebrations depend on their security strategies.
Following the supposed Islamist assault in Solingen, resulting in three fatal casualties, the community celebration in the Grindel area of Hamburg has been terminated. The Eimsbüttel district assembly had appointed the Grindel Association, in collaboration with the Jewish Community and cooperating with cultural institutions, to organize a diversity festival showcasing Jewish culture. The event was set to occur under the banner "Grindelfest: Culture. Jewish. Colorful" from September 13 to 15, but has now been scrapped due to terror concerns, as announced.
On the other hand, various other organizers remain reluctant to call off their plans. For instance, the "Back to Hogwarts" event in Hamburg will persist as scheduled. The organizer and head of the Bergmann Group, Uwe Bergmann, expressed his sentiments to the "Hamburger Abendblatt": "We ain't panicking. Our security strategies are solid and tested." Bergmann further added: "It's bonkers what we spend on security." New measures are being introduced, yet a certain level of feasibility is established eventually. "We ought to remember that stepping out the door exposes us to various sorts of dangers," he said. "We should not let societal unity be taken away from us."
Kiel is relying upon police evaluation
The city's autumn market in Kiel, the capital of Schleswig-Holstein, is also scheduled to unfold. Beforehand, the organizer seeks a present-day evaluation from the police. "The city of Kiel has the capacity to make any necessary adjustments to the security scheme at short notice," explained the responsible councilor Christian Zierau.
At the city-organized folk festivals of recent years, there has always been a constant presence of city personnel at the entrances and a security service. Moreover, as per Zierau, the Communal Ordnungsdienst and the police will be on site to ensure security.
No signs of a threat situation
In Bad Bramstedt, all events have been examined thoroughly in light of the current scenario, the city announced. Post the examination, there are no indications of a particular threat situation for the scheduled events. "However, security measures will continue to be reviewed and adjusted to ensure maximum protection for all visitors," it was further stated.
The city is in talks with the local police, with assessments influencing the potential presence of officers at the events. Additional measures, such as the establishment of weapon-free zones, are not presently planned. "However, it's crucial to emphasize that complete safety at public events can never be fully guaranteed," the city stressed.
Additionally, the Peer Market is scheduled to take place in Schleswig from September 6 to 9, 2024. In advance, Mayor Stephan Dose (SPD) highlighted the close cooperation between the security service, the police station in Schleswig, and the Communal Ordnungsdienst. No unique measures in response to Solingen were announced.
Urban celebrations foster democracy
The managing director of the Federal Association of City and City Marketing Germany, Jürgen Block, stated: "Especially in times when our society is tested by polarization and intolerance, our cities must refrain from allowing violence and fear to overshadow city life and undermine our shared trust."
Though a residual risk cannot be fully eradicated, city festivals continue to serve as prominent platforms where democracy thrives. Block further asserted: "They symbolize the diversity and dynamic energy of our cities. They embody our democratic values and represent a harmonious and tranquil coexistence in our society."
At the same time, the challenges confronting festival organizers of all kinds are escalating: On one hand, expenses for security measures, GEMA fees, and personnel are soaring, while on the other hand, organizers bear responsibility for the well-being of guests. "We observe that this is particularly demanding for smaller and private actors, such as associations, to carry out such events," said Block. Nevertheless, he was not aware of any city festivals being terminated due to the incident in Solingen or a general apprehension of assaults.
Last Friday, an attacker at a city festival in Solingen slayed three individuals with a knife and injured eight others. The suspected culprit is the 26-year-old Syrian Issa Al H., who is in custody.
The organisers of the "Back to Hogwarts" event in Hamburg, despite the terror concerns, are confident in their security strategies and plan to proceed as scheduled. In response to the incident in Solingen, the city of Kiel is seeking an evaluation from the police to ensure the security of their autumn market.
